The Home Machinist!

If you modeled a bumblebee on a spreadsheet, it would say that it can't fly. I would trust Evans, Greenly, et. al. I remember seeing a model locomotive that was specifically built for efficiency trials - it was one of the ugliest things I have ever seen. Steve A helicopter is similar: "bend th...

Marty_Knox wrote:Efficient and Steam Locomotive are two mutually exclusive terms.

Marty Knox - you need to write a book. With your experiences and know how, it would probably be a darn good seller. I'll buy the first copy.

I have and use JFN's book. Books by Martin Evans, Henry Greenly, and other early builders are consulted.... The proportions for the boiler were drawn from data in these books yet the excel program figures it inefficient. A statement in the description relates that the program may not be accurate...s...

Sometimes we are our own worst enemies. The Statue of Liberty was determined to be anatomically incorrect. Yet it’s never been referred to as “junk”. I phrased that wrong - it is still in 'piles of parts' here and there in the shop so it's not an 'entity' yet - just little piles of pieces and parts...

The grate area to a lessor extent and flue tube sizes to a greater extent can be modified since suitable steel is being accumulated for a steel boiler. Plugging these modified values into the program does not do what is expected. A factor can be adjusted but invariably one or two others go completel...

I started working with the Excel "Locomotive Efficiency Calculator" and now I'm totally disgusted. Using the actual measurements for this engine I can never achieve an 'efficient' engine. "Ee" and "Eb" and "Eo" within optimum values the "Kt" will be ...

Here's half of one: http://www.ebay.com/itm/Mini-Alternator-Wind-Hydro-Micro-Alternator-Permanent-Magnet-Alternator-/281762732953 There is even a 'water wheel' generator offered.... (not advocating the use of the site - just info for the DIYers) BClem What sort of bearings does it have, though? Loo...

Here's half of one:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Mini-Alternator ... 1762732953

There is even a 'water wheel' generator offered.... (not advocating the use of the site - just info for the DIYers)

BClem

Carrdo wrote: Perhaps he can be persuaded to put a drawings and construction notes package together and market it if there is enough interest.

INTERESTED!! (long way to electrify this engine but all data is precious!)

Question: What prevents these turbines from producing a siren sound?

BClem

Ditto what Harold V said.... 7075 is ideal as far as strength and machinability goes but it is not easily welded and it corrodes like crazy although anodizing seals it against corrosion. It is a perfect material for a small cnc machine shop with a bare bones (no coolant) machine. It sheds the cuttin...

Yes, I would (and will) go with steel rods. The distinctive design of the original Allen side rods could be a choice by having available a dxf file to present to a laser/water jet cutting company. Also; with that same dxf file, or one of another optional design, the rods can be cut from any material...

And yes, high speed rail travel is the ultimate in my book. Why we, the "great nation," are so far behind the curve I'll never understand... Thanks Greg! Good stuff! Chances are, entering or leaving an Asian or European country will be aboard an aircraft built in the US - at least at this...